Section Three “Victory Over Satan and His Angels” 1 John 2:12-27 Page 12 1

Gnostics had no conviction of a personal Satan or a personal struggle against sin and against those who would lead them into sin. Religion to them was a process of overcoming superstition and tradition about the guilt of bodily sins. Man’s most urgent spiritual need was to reach an “understanding” about sin and the soul that would free the “mature” disciple from all restraints and obligations arising from any perceived connection between sin and salvation. Victory over Satan and his angels (agents) involves a prolonged struggle – this struggle will never end 2

12 I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. 3

“I write/have written to:”“because:” “Little children” “your sins are forgiven you” “Little children” “you have known the Father” “Young men”“you have overcome the (and young women) wicked one” “Young men” “you are strong; the word (and young women) abides in you” “Fathers”“you have known Him who is (and mothers) from the beginning” (Jesus) “Fathers” “you have known Him who is (and mothers) from the beginning” 4

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 5

What is “the world” in 1 John 2:15-17? It is not the physical world God made “God, who made the world and everything in it…” (Acts 17:24) “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen…” (Rom. 1:20) “…the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” (II Peter 3:10) It is not the world, “the people” who make it up “God so loved the world (the people) that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16) 6

What is “the world” in 1 John 2:15-17? This “world” is the world having to do with sinful things “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16) 7

What is “the world” in 1 John 2:15-17? This “world” is the world having to do with sinful things Christians are not to conform to this world “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Rom. 12:2) 8

What is “the world” in 1 John 2:15-17? This world is the world having to do with sinful things Christians are not to conform to this world Christians are not to seek friendship with it “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4) 9

What is “the world” in 1 John 2:15-17? This world is the world having to do with sinful things Christians are not to conform to this world Christians are not to seek friendship with it Christians must overcome the world “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4,5) 10

1.Christians must choose whom to serve. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24) What we love is demonstrated by what we do John is clear on this point: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (v.15) Our choice is to be altogether, not partial 11

2.Satan appeals to us through the avenue of our fleshly lusts “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” (v.16) Christians cannot afford to be controlled in our behavior by the flesh, the eyes, or the pride of our egos The God of heaven will not tolerate even partial loyalty to the god of this world 12

3.It was foolish to follow the gnostic deception about sin “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (v.17) 13

3.It was foolish to follow the gnostic deception about sin Earthly pleasures are temporary God is eternal and obedience to Him will result in everlasting pleasures People can escape from this world and its terrible consequences So – there can be victory over Satan “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 Jn. 5:4,5) 14

18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 15

Gnostics offered a “new” gospel that appealed to worldly-minded people The original (apostles’) gospel had become “old fashioned” 16

1.Warnings about false teaching are common in New Testament revelation “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons…” (1 Tim. 4:1) “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thess. 2:3,4) 17

1.Warnings about false teaching are common in New Testament revelation “Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” (v.18) 18

1.Warnings about false teaching are common in New Testament revelation The “last hour” is the last opportunity for man to please God During the gospel age (“last days”), Satan would make a concerted effort to use “antichrists” Anti-Christ means against Christ or opposed to Christ Antichrists were, and still are, a great adversary of Christ, Christians, and His system of “Christianity” 19

1.Warnings about false teaching are common in New Testament revelation Who were these antichrist? John defined antichrist in a manner which leaves no doubt as to its basic meaning Those to whom John wrote knew the antichrist (v.18) John is the only writer to use this term “antichrist” 20

1.Warnings about false teaching are common in New Testament revelation Who were these antichrist? John defined antichrist in a manner which leaves no doubt as to its basic meaning Antichrists are those who oppose the true Christ “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:22) 21

1.Warnings about false teaching are common in New Testament revelation Who were these antichrist? John defined antichrist in a manner which leaves no doubt as to its basic meaning Antichrists are those who oppose the true Christ “…and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1 John 4:3) 22

1.Warnings about false teaching are common in New Testament revelation Who were these antichrist? John defined antichrist in a manner which leaves no doubt as to its basic meaning Antichrists are those who oppose the true Christ “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” (2 John 1:7) 23

2.John’s warnings and those of other gospel writers were already being fulfilled in “many antichrists” who denied the divinity of Jesus. There was a definite sense of urgency and finality among believers “Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” (v.18) 24

3.Antichrists (gnostics) had already challenged the truth and broken off fellowship with “unenlightened” believers “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” (v.20) 25

4.The disciples had an “anointing” (privilege) to understand the truth regarding Jesus’ divinity “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” (v.20) Many had been denied the “anointing” because they had rejected the message 26

5.John had nothing new to add to the established truth of Jesus’ Sonship “I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” (v.21) All inspired men spoke the same truth! 27

6.Gnostics disallowed the incarnation of Jesus They denied that a spiritual Father could have had anything to do with a spiritual Son taking on a body of flesh 22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” (vs.22,23) Gnostics were totally outside any religion that could lead to eternal rewards! 28

7.Eternal life was contingent upon loyalty to the original truth about these controversial questions 24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. 26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” (vs.24-27) 29

8.Be not deceived!! (v.26) “These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.” (V.26) 30

22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. 31

26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. 32

Victory over Satan and His Angels can come only through holding steadfast to the “one God, one Lord,” and the “one faith” that had been taught to them from the beginning of their contact with the gospel. 33

1.John writes to different groups of saints for different reasons. What are they? (vs ) a. “Little children” -- _________________________ b. “Young men” -- _________________________ c. “Fathers” -- _________________________ 34

2.Give examples of the “things of the world:” (vs ) a. “Lust of the flesh” -- ____________________________ b. “Lust of the eyes” -- ____________________________ c. “The pride of life” -- ____________________________ 35

3.What is the difference between “the Antichrist” and “many antichrists”? (verse 18) 4.What can we understand about people who defect from the truth? What is our defense from defecting as they do? (vs. 19,21) 5.How subject to change was the original truth about Jesus’ nature? (vs. 21) 36

6.For how long had the truth about Jesus’ nature been taught? (vs. 24) [See also Acts 11:15; Acts 2:22-36] 7.How is the promise described in verse 25 dependent upon the duty described in verse 27? 8.What is the Christian’s best defense from being deceived by false teachers? (vs. 26) 37